EP0478432A1 - Sealed housing for an electrical element such as a circuit breaker - Google Patents

Sealed housing for an electrical element such as a circuit breaker Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0478432A1
EP0478432A1 EP91402523A EP91402523A EP0478432A1 EP 0478432 A1 EP0478432 A1 EP 0478432A1 EP 91402523 A EP91402523 A EP 91402523A EP 91402523 A EP91402523 A EP 91402523A EP 0478432 A1 EP0478432 A1 EP 0478432A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
electrical element
relatively flexible
housing according
connection
flexible cover
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP91402523A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Jean-Jacques Lacombe
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INGENIERIE BOGA
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INGENIERIE BOGA
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Publication date
Application filed by INGENIERIE BOGA filed Critical INGENIERIE BOGA
Publication of EP0478432A1 publication Critical patent/EP0478432A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/02—Bases, casings, or covers
    • H01H9/04—Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof casings
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02B—BOARDS, SUBSTATIONS OR SWITCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SUPPLY OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02B1/00—Frameworks, boards, panels, desks, casings; Details of substations or switching arrangements
    • H02B1/26—Casings; Parts thereof or accessories therefor
    • H02B1/28—Casings; Parts thereof or accessories therefor dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof or flameproof

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a waterproof protective case intended to ensure the protection of electrical elements against humidity and water.
  • This sealed housing is particularly suitable for electrical elements controlled by a member movable in translation having at least two control positions.
  • circuit breakers comprise a rigid body and a control lever.
  • Other similar electrical elements are switches and switches. These elements are generally controlled by a lever articulated around an axis. As the angular travel of the lever is relatively reduced, it is considered, in the present specification, that such a lever is "movable in translation", this expression indicating that the operating end is moved by application of a force in a single direction.
  • Known housings have a number of drawbacks.
  • the seal between the door and the body often disappears after a few maneuvers, given the difficulty of obtaining a good seal around a pivoting door.
  • the opening of the door requires the presence of sufficient space for the operation.
  • the operation of the electrical element may be delayed because, before ordering the electrical element, it is necessary to open the door, that is, unlock and pivot it.
  • the door does not have a transparent window, the position of the electrical element is not visible. Fifth, if the door has such a window, the case has an even higher cost.
  • the object of the invention is to remedy these drawbacks. It relates to a tight, space-saving case, directly controlled and allowing observation of the position of the control member.
  • This housing can also be produced simply, by mass production methods, so that its cost can be reduced.
  • the relatively flexible cover is formed from a molded elastomer, and, for example, it has the shape of a bellows.
  • the relatively flexible cover advantageously includes a window allowing the observation of the mobile control member and mounted in a sealed manner on the hood.
  • the window comprises for example a transparent plate retained in a groove formed around an orifice in the cover.
  • the body preferably has a flat or bowl shape, delimiting a peripheral flange, and the relatively flexible cover has a reinforced edge delimiting a groove for housing the flange.
  • substantially rigid cover prefferably fixed to the connection and support assembly in a position such that the electrical connection of the electrical element is located inside the sealed chamber.
  • the body and the cover are delimited, on two opposite sides, by two substantially planar and parallel faces so that several sealed housings can be juxtaposed.
  • the body has a seal near its part of cooperation with the electrical element and the connection and support assembly.
  • the body is formed in several elements, and / or the relatively flexible cover is formed in several elements.
  • Figure 1 is a section partially in side elevation of a sealed housing according to the invention containing a circuit breaker.
  • FIG. 2 is a section, in partial lateral elevation, of FIG. 1.
  • a circuit breaker 10 has a body and is controlled by a control member movable in translation constituted by a lever 12 articulated around an axis perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 1.
  • a control member movable in translation simply indicates that the control member of the electrical element constituted by the circuit breaker 10 is operated by a force applied punctually. It distinguishes this type of control member from those which work in rotation, that is to say whose control requires the application of a torque.
  • the circuit breaker 10 is connected by a connection and support assembly 14, having a body 16, to a flat supply cable 18.
  • This assembly 14 comprises, in addition to the connection body 16, a fixing member 20 which ensures the mechanical fixing of the circuit breaker 10.
  • the body 16 is used for the electrical connection and, for example, the connection of wires 22 of phase and neutral and an earth plug 24.
  • the waterproof housing comprises a substantially rigid body 26 and a relatively flexible cover 32.
  • the body 26 has the shape of a bowl and it has, at its lower part, an opening 28 allowing it to be hooked and retained between the assembly connection and support 14 of the circuit breaker and the power cable 18.
  • the body 26 cooperates with these devices in a substantially sealed manner so that water and moisture cannot penetrate through this opening.
  • the body also includes a peripheral flange 30 facing outwards from the body 26.
  • a relatively flexible cover 32 comprises, at one end, a reinforced cord 34 delimiting an internal groove 36 intended to be retained elastically on the flange 30 of the body 26.
  • the body 38 of the cover 32 has the shape of a bellows preferably having curved ribs as shown in broken lines in Figure 1; these rounded ribs facilitate maneuvering.
  • the cover comprises an operating member 40 intended to cooperate with the lever 12 for controlling the circuit breaker 10.
  • the operating member is formed by a protuberance from a window transparent 44 housed in a groove 42 of an opening of the cover 32, on the side opposite the cord 34, the protuberance delimiting inwardly a cavity intended to house the control lever 12.
  • the operating member can be simply formed by a part of the cover, preferably thickened.
  • the body 26 and the cover 32 together define a sealed chamber, thanks to the sealed cooperation of the flange 30 and the groove 36 on the one hand and the window 44 and the groove 42 on the other hand. In this way and given the tightness formed around the opening 28, moisture cannot penetrate inside the sealed housing.
  • the cover 24 is formed from a rigid material, for example, from a molded plastic material or from a metal blank formed by stamping and punching.
  • the cover 32 is formed of any elastomer, for example a polyurethane rubber, "Neoprene", etc.
  • the cover 32 in an advantageous embodiment, has a relatively large thickness at the level of the thickened cord 34 and of the window 44, so that it seals and facilitates maneuvering, and the rest of the body 38 has a thickness reduced, of the order of 1 mm for example, so that it retains great flexibility allowing the operation of the lever 12 without applying a much greater force than that required to operate lever 12.
  • the housing which has just been described ensures sealing reliably and for a long time, since the various elements which cooperate sealingly are never moved relative to one another after the initial assembly, unlike a door which must be open and closed at each maneuver.
  • the space required for mounting the sealed housing, in front of the circuit breaker, is very small since the operating member 40 has a small thickness above the control lever 12.
  • the control lever 12 can be operated instantly, as quickly as without the housing.
  • the position of the control lever 12 is easily visible through the window 44.
  • the sealed housing is relatively inexpensive. Indeed, it includes simple elements which can be produced by using mass production techniques, and the mounting of the different elements on top of each other is very simple.
  • the body 26 of the housing leaves a lot of room for making the circuit breaker connections.
  • the cover 32, having its window, is then mounted on the body 26, when the connections of the circuit breaker 10 have been made. Disassembly and reassembly are possible.
  • a housing body 26 has been shown in the form of a bowl, it may simply have the form of a plate, so that access to the device 14 for connection and fixing is even more easy.
  • a flange 30 turned on the opposite side to that of the circuit breaker 10, the flange can also be parallel to this circuit breaker, the cover then being mounted by pressing the cord 34 towards the body 26. This arrangement is however less advantageous than that shown in the drawings since the cover 32 can be more easily torn off. It may then be advantageous to use an additional attachment, for example a bonding of the body and the cover.
  • the body 26 has been shown in one piece, it can be formed by several elements cooperating suitably.
  • the body 26 may comprise a special device placed near the opening 28 and intended to cooperate with a particular type of assembly 14 for connection and fixing.
  • the body 26 has been shown placed between the cable 18 and the connection body 16, it can also be placed between the body 16 and the circuit breaker 10.
  • the cooperation at the level of the connection and fixing assembly obviously depends the particular type of connection and fixing assembly used. All variants fall within the scope of the invention, as long as moisture cannot easily penetrate.
  • FIG. 2 represents cable glands 46 allowing the sealed passage of cables intended to enter the sealed housing, if necessary. This is a purely optional feature, indicating that the invention has many applications.
  • each circuit breaker has its own waterproof case.
  • FIG. 1 shows a fixing and connection device 14 which cooperates with a flat cable 18 for supplying electrical energy
  • this is only one embodiment and many others power supplies are possible, in particular by ordinary cables having twisted conductors.
  • circuit breaker 10 has been shown, many other electrical elements can be controlled, as long as their operation requires a movable member in translation, that is to say moved by the specific application of a force. Examples include switches and switches.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Switch Cases, Indication, And Locking (AREA)

Abstract

The invention concerns a sealed housing for an electrical element. It refers to a sealed housing comprising a substantially rigid body (26), delimiting a flange (30) onto which is engaged elastically a band (34) of a cover (32) having a bellows (38) and ending with an operating member (40) which can be formed by a transparent window (44). A control lever (12) of the controlled electrical element (10) such as a circuit breaker, visible through the window, can be controlled by the application of a force by the intermediary of the operating member (40). In this way, the circuit breaker (10) is enclosed in a sealed chamber and is not sensitive to moisture. Application to the protection of circuit breakers and switches from moisture. <IMAGE>

Description

La présente invention concerne un boîtier étanche de protection destiné à assurer la protection d'éléments électriques contre l'humidité et l'eau. Ce boîtier étanche convient particulièrement bien à des éléments électriques commandés par un organe mobile en translation ayant au moins deux positions de commande.The present invention relates to a waterproof protective case intended to ensure the protection of electrical elements against humidity and water. This sealed housing is particularly suitable for electrical elements controlled by a member movable in translation having at least two control positions.

On sait déjà que des éléments électriques tels que les disjoncteurs comportent un corps rigide et un levier de commande. D'autres éléments électriques analogues sont les commutateurs et les interrupteurs. Ces éléments sont en général commandés par un levier articulé autour d'un axe. Comme la course angulaire du levier est relativement réduite, on considère, dans le présent mémoire, qu'un tel levier est "mobile en translation", cette expression indiquant que l'extrémité de manoeuvre est déplacée par application d'une force dans une seule direction.It is already known that electrical elements such as circuit breakers comprise a rigid body and a control lever. Other similar electrical elements are switches and switches. These elements are generally controlled by a lever articulated around an axis. As the angular travel of the lever is relatively reduced, it is considered, in the present specification, that such a lever is "movable in translation", this expression indicating that the operating end is moved by application of a force in a single direction.

On sait que les éléments électriques tels que les disjoncteurs, les commutateurs etc. souffrent de la présence d'eau et d'humidité, soit lorsqu'ils comprennent des éléments métalliques sujets à la corrosion, par exemple à base de fer pouvant présenter de la rouille, soit parce que leurs parties électriques (contacts) risquent d'être affectées par la présence d'eau ou d'humidité. Pour cette raison, on a déjà réalisé des boîtiers destinés à entourer de tels éléments électriques. Ces boîtiers sont sous forme rigides et comportent une porte qui peut être ouverte pour donner accès à l'organe de commande de l'élément électrique.We know that electrical elements such as circuit breakers, switches, etc. suffer from the presence of water and moisture, either when they include metallic elements subject to corrosion, for example based on iron which may present rust, or because their electrical parts (contacts) are likely to be affected by the presence of water or moisture. For this reason, boxes have already been produced intended to surround such electrical elements. These boxes are in rigid form and have a door which can be opened to give access to the control member of the electrical element.

Les boîtiers connus présentent un certain nombre d'inconvénients. D'abord, l'étanchéité entre la porte et le corps disparaît souvent après quelques manoeuvres, étant donné la difficulté d'obtention d'une bonne étanchéité tout autour d'une porte pivotante. Deuxièmement, l'ouverture de la porte nécessite la présence d'un espace suffisant pour la manoeuvre. Troisièmement, en cas d'urgence, la manoeuvre de l'élément électrique risque d'être retardée car, avant la commande de l'élément électrique, il faut ouvrir la porte, c'est-à-dire la déverrouiller et la faire pivoter. Quatrièmement, si la porte n'a pas une fenêtre transparente, la position de l'élément électrique n'est pas visible. Cinquièmement, si la porte comporte une telle fenêtre, le boîtier a un coût encore plus élevé.Known housings have a number of drawbacks. First, the seal between the door and the body often disappears after a few maneuvers, given the difficulty of obtaining a good seal around a pivoting door. Secondly, the opening of the door requires the presence of sufficient space for the operation. Thirdly, in an emergency, the operation of the electrical element may be delayed because, before ordering the electrical element, it is necessary to open the door, that is, unlock and pivot it. Fourth, if the door does not have a transparent window, the position of the electrical element is not visible. Fifth, if the door has such a window, the case has an even higher cost.

L'invention a pour objet de remédier à ces inconvénients. Elle se rapporte à un boîtier étanche, peu encombrant, directement commandé et permettant l'observation de la position de l'organe de commande. Ce boîtier peut en outre être réalisé simplement, par des procédés de fabrication en grande série si bien que son coût peut être réduit.The object of the invention is to remedy these drawbacks. It relates to a tight, space-saving case, directly controlled and allowing observation of the position of the control member. This housing can also be produced simply, by mass production methods, so that its cost can be reduced.

Plus précisément, l'invention concerne un boîtier étanche de protection pour élément électrique commandé par un organe mobile en translation, ayant au moins deux positions de commande, ledit élément électrique étant destiné à être raccordé électriquement et supporté par un ensemble de raccordement et de support ; selon l'invention, le boîtier étanche comprend :

  • un corps sensiblement rigide de fixation, coopérant de façon étanche avec l'élément électrique à proximité de l'ensemble de raccordement et de support, et
  • au moins un capot relativement souple coopérant de façon étanche avec le corps sensiblement rigide et délimitant avec lui une chambre étanche dans laquelle est disposé ledit élément électrique,
  • ledit capot relativement souple étant déformable afin qu'une partie de manoeuvre voisine de l'organe mobile de commande de l'élément électrique puisse être déplacée par application d'une force réduite et déplace l'organe mobile de commande d'une position de commande à une autre.
More specifically, the invention relates to a waterproof protective box for an electrical element controlled by a member movable in translation, having at least two control positions, said electrical element being intended to be electrically connected and supported by a connection and support assembly. ; according to the invention, the waterproof case comprises:
  • a substantially rigid fixing body, cooperating in leaktight manner with the electrical element near the connection and support assembly, and
  • at least one relatively flexible cover cooperating in sealed manner with the substantially rigid body and delimiting with it a sealed chamber in which said electrical element is disposed,
  • said relatively flexible cover being deformable so that an operating part adjacent to the mobile control member of the electrical element can be moved by application of a reduced force and moves the mobile control member from a control position to another.

De préférence, le capot relativement souple est formé d'un élastomère moulé, et, par exemple, il a la forme d'un soufflet.Preferably, the relatively flexible cover is formed from a molded elastomer, and, for example, it has the shape of a bellows.

Le capot relativement souple comporte avantageusement une fenêtre permettant l'observation de l'organe mobile de commande et montée de manière étanche sur le capot. La fenêtre comporte par exemple une plaque transparente retenue dans une gorge formée autour d'un orifice du capot.The relatively flexible cover advantageously includes a window allowing the observation of the mobile control member and mounted in a sealed manner on the hood. The window comprises for example a transparent plate retained in a groove formed around an orifice in the cover.

Le corps a de préférence une forme plate ou de cuvette, délimitant un flasque périphérique, et le capot relativement souple a un bord renforcé délimitant une gorge de logement du flasque.The body preferably has a flat or bowl shape, delimiting a peripheral flange, and the relatively flexible cover has a reinforced edge delimiting a groove for housing the flange.

Il est avantageux que le capot sensiblement rigide soit fixé à l'ensemble de raccordement et de support en position telle que la connexion électrique de l'élément électrique se trouve à l'intérieur de la chambre étanche.It is advantageous for the substantially rigid cover to be fixed to the connection and support assembly in a position such that the electrical connection of the electrical element is located inside the sealed chamber.

Dans un mode de réalisation, le corps et le capot sont délimités, de deux côtés opposés, par deux faces sensiblement planes et parallèles afin que plusieurs boîtiers étanches puissent être juxtaposés.In one embodiment, the body and the cover are delimited, on two opposite sides, by two substantially planar and parallel faces so that several sealed housings can be juxtaposed.

Il est avantageux que le corps comporte un joint d'étanchéité à proximité de sa partie de coopération avec l'élément électrique et l'ensemble de raccordement et de support.It is advantageous that the body has a seal near its part of cooperation with the electrical element and the connection and support assembly.

Dans des modes de réalisation, le corps est formé en plusieurs éléments, et/ou le le capot relativement souple est formé en plusieurs éléments.In embodiments, the body is formed in several elements, and / or the relatively flexible cover is formed in several elements.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention ressortiront mieux de la description qui va suivre, faite en référence aux dessins annexés sur lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en partie en coupe et en partie en élévation latérale d'un élément électrique logé dans un boîtier étanche selon l'invention ; et
  • la figure 2 est une vue en élévation latérale, en coupe partielle, de l'élément électrique et du boîtier de la figure 1, par le plan repéré par la ligne 2-2 sur la figure 1.
Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly from the description which follows, given with reference to the appended drawings in which:
  • Figure 1 is a view partly in section and partly in side elevation of an electrical element housed in a sealed housing according to the invention; and
  • FIG. 2 is a side elevational view, in partial section, of the electrical element and of the box of FIG. 1, by the plane marked by line 2-2 in FIG. 1.

La figure 1 est une coupe partiellement en élévation latérale d'un boîtier étanche selon l'invention contenant un disjoncteur. La figure 2 est une coupe, en élévation latérale partielle, de la figure 1.Figure 1 is a section partially in side elevation of a sealed housing according to the invention containing a circuit breaker. FIG. 2 is a section, in partial lateral elevation, of FIG. 1.

Un disjoncteur 10 a un corps et il est commandé par un organe de commande mobile en translation constitué par un levier 12 articulé autour d'un axe perpendiculaire au plan de la figure 1. Dans le présent mémoire, l'expression "mobile en translation" indique simplement que l'organe de commande de l'élément électrique constitué par le disjoncteur 10 est manoeuvré par une force appliquée ponctuellement. Elle distingue ce type d'organe de commande de ceux qui travaillent en rotation, c'est-à-dire dont la commande nécessite l'application d'un couple.A circuit breaker 10 has a body and is controlled by a control member movable in translation constituted by a lever 12 articulated around an axis perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 1. In the present specification, the expression "movable in translation" simply indicates that the control member of the electrical element constituted by the circuit breaker 10 is operated by a force applied punctually. It distinguishes this type of control member from those which work in rotation, that is to say whose control requires the application of a torque.

Le disjoncteur 10 est raccordé par un ensemble 14 de raccordement et de support, ayant un corps 16, à un câble plat 18 d'alimentation. Cet ensemble 14 comprend, en plus du corps 16 de raccordement, un organe 20 de fixation qui assure la fixation mécanique du disjoncteur 10. Le corps 16 est utilisé pour le raccordement électrique et, par exemple, on a représenté la connexion de fils 22 de phase et de neutre et d'une fiche de terre 24.The circuit breaker 10 is connected by a connection and support assembly 14, having a body 16, to a flat supply cable 18. This assembly 14 comprises, in addition to the connection body 16, a fixing member 20 which ensures the mechanical fixing of the circuit breaker 10. The body 16 is used for the electrical connection and, for example, the connection of wires 22 of phase and neutral and an earth plug 24.

Les éléments décrits jusqu'à présent sont bien connus, et ils ne sont considérés qu'à titre d'exemple d'application de l'invention.The elements described so far are well known, and they are considered only as an example of application of the invention.

Le boîtier étanche selon l'invention comporte un corps sensiblement rigide 26 et un capot relativement souple 32. Le corps 26 a une forme de cuvette et il comporte, à sa partie inférieure, une ouverture 28 permettant son accrochage et sa retenue entre l'ensemble de raccordement et de support 14 du disjoncteur et le câble d'alimentation 18. De façon avantageuse, le corps 26 coopère avec ces dispositifs de manière pratiquement étanche afin que l'eau et l'humidité ne puissent pas pénétrer par cette ouverture. Le corps comporte aussi un flasque périphérique 30 tourné vers l'extérieur du corps 26.The waterproof housing according to the invention comprises a substantially rigid body 26 and a relatively flexible cover 32. The body 26 has the shape of a bowl and it has, at its lower part, an opening 28 allowing it to be hooked and retained between the assembly connection and support 14 of the circuit breaker and the power cable 18. Advantageously, the body 26 cooperates with these devices in a substantially sealed manner so that water and moisture cannot penetrate through this opening. The body also includes a peripheral flange 30 facing outwards from the body 26.

Un capot relativement souple 32 comporte, à une extrémité, un cordon renforcé 34 délimitant une gorge interne 36 destinée à être retenue élastiquement sur le flasque 30 du corps 26. Le corps 38 du capot 32 a la forme d'un soufflet ayant de préférence des nervures recourbées comme indiqué en trait interrompu sur la figure 1 ; ces nervures arrondies facilitent la manoeuvre. Dans sa partie opposée au corps 26, le capot comprend un organe 40 de manoeuvre destiné à coopérer avec le levier 12 de commande du disjoncteur 10. Dans le mode de réalisation représenté, l'organe de manoeuvre est formé par une protubérance d'une fenêtre transparente 44 logée dans une gorge 42 d'une ouverture du capot 32, du côté opposé au cordon 34, la protubérance délimitant vers l'intérieur une cavité destinée à loger le levier 12 de commande. Dans une variante, l'organe de manoeuvre peut être simplement formé par une partie du capot, de préférence épaissie.A relatively flexible cover 32 comprises, at one end, a reinforced cord 34 delimiting an internal groove 36 intended to be retained elastically on the flange 30 of the body 26. The body 38 of the cover 32 has the shape of a bellows preferably having curved ribs as shown in broken lines in Figure 1; these rounded ribs facilitate maneuvering. In its part opposite the body 26, the cover comprises an operating member 40 intended to cooperate with the lever 12 for controlling the circuit breaker 10. In the embodiment shown, the operating member is formed by a protuberance from a window transparent 44 housed in a groove 42 of an opening of the cover 32, on the side opposite the cord 34, the protuberance delimiting inwardly a cavity intended to house the control lever 12. In a variant, the operating member can be simply formed by a part of the cover, preferably thickened.

Le corps 26 et le capot 32 délimitent ensemble une chambre étanche, grâce à la coopération étanche du flasque 30 et de la gorge 36 d'une part et de la fenêtre 44 et de la gorge 42 d'autre part. De cette manière et étant donné l'étanchéité réalisée autour de l'ouverture 28, l'humidité ne peut pas pénétrer à l'intérieur du boîtier étanche.The body 26 and the cover 32 together define a sealed chamber, thanks to the sealed cooperation of the flange 30 and the groove 36 on the one hand and the window 44 and the groove 42 on the other hand. In this way and given the tightness formed around the opening 28, moisture cannot penetrate inside the sealed housing.

Lorsque le disjoncteur doit être commandé depuis l'extérieur, l'opérateur voit la position du levier 12 à travers la fenêtre 44 et sait donc dans quel sens il doit déplacer le levier. Il applique alors une force à l'organe 40 de manoeuvre, dans le sens convenable, afin qu'il fasse basculer le levier 12. Il peut se rendre compte facilement du fait que le levier 12 a été manoeuvré, par observation par la fenêtre 44.When the circuit breaker must be controlled from the outside, the operator sees the position of the lever 12 through the window 44 and therefore knows in which direction he must move the lever. It then applies a force to the operating member 40, in the appropriate direction, so that it causes the lever 12 to tip over. It can be easily seen that the lever 12 has been operated, by observation through the window 44 .

Dans le mode de réalisation précédent, le capot 24 est formé d'une matière rigide, par exemple, d'une matière plastique moulée ou d'un flan métallique formé par emboutissage et poinçonnage. Le capot 32 est formé d'un élastomère quelconque, par exemple un caoutchouc de polyuréthanne, de "Néoprène", etc. Le capot 32, dans un mode de réalisation avantageux, a une épaisseur relativement grande au niveau du cordon épaissi 34 et de la fenêtre 44, afin qu'il assure l'étanchéité et facilite la manoeuvre, et le reste du corps 38 a une épaisseur réduite, de l'ordre de 1 mm par exemple, afin qu'il garde une grande souplesse permettant la manoeuvre du levier 12 sans application d'une force très supérieure à celle qui est nécessaire à la manoeuvre du levier 12.In the previous embodiment, the cover 24 is formed from a rigid material, for example, from a molded plastic material or from a metal blank formed by stamping and punching. The cover 32 is formed of any elastomer, for example a polyurethane rubber, "Neoprene", etc. The cover 32, in an advantageous embodiment, has a relatively large thickness at the level of the thickened cord 34 and of the window 44, so that it seals and facilitates maneuvering, and the rest of the body 38 has a thickness reduced, of the order of 1 mm for example, so that it retains great flexibility allowing the operation of the lever 12 without applying a much greater force than that required to operate lever 12.

Le boîtier qu'on vient de décrire assure l'étanchéité de manière fiable et pendant longtemps, car les différents éléments qui coopèrent de façon étanche ne sont jamais déplacés les uns par rapport aux autres après le montage initial, contrairement à une porte qui doit être ouverte et fermée à chaque manoeuvre. L'espace nécessaire au montage du boîtier étanche, en avant du disjoncteur, est très réduit étant donné que l'organe de manoeuvre 40 a une faible épaisseur au-dessus du levier de commande 12. En cas d'urgence, le levier de commande 12 peut être manoeuvré instantanément, aussi vite qu'en l'absence du boîtier. La position du levier de commande 12 est facilement visible grâce à la fenêtre 44. Enfin, le boîtier étanche est relativement peu coûteux. En effet, il comprend des éléments simples qui peuvent être réalisés par utilisation des techniques de fabrication en grande série, et le montage des différents éléments les uns sur les autres est très simple. Le corps 26 du boîtier laisse beaucoup de place pour réaliser les connexions du disjoncteur. Le capot 32, ayant sa fenêtre, est ensuite monté sur le corps 26, lorsque les raccordements du disjoncteur 10 ont été effectués. Le démontage et le remontage sont possibles.The housing which has just been described ensures sealing reliably and for a long time, since the various elements which cooperate sealingly are never moved relative to one another after the initial assembly, unlike a door which must be open and closed at each maneuver. The space required for mounting the sealed housing, in front of the circuit breaker, is very small since the operating member 40 has a small thickness above the control lever 12. In an emergency, the control lever 12 can be operated instantly, as quickly as without the housing. The position of the control lever 12 is easily visible through the window 44. Finally, the sealed housing is relatively inexpensive. Indeed, it includes simple elements which can be produced by using mass production techniques, and the mounting of the different elements on top of each other is very simple. The body 26 of the housing leaves a lot of room for making the circuit breaker connections. The cover 32, having its window, is then mounted on the body 26, when the connections of the circuit breaker 10 have been made. Disassembly and reassembly are possible.

Bien qu'on ait décrit un mode de réalisation particulier de l'invention, celle-ci n'est pas limitée à ce boîtier et concerne de nombreuses variantes. D'abord, bien qu'on ait représenté un corps 26 de boîtier sous forme d'une cuvette, il peut avoir simplement la forme d'une plaque, si bien que l'accès au dispositif 14 de raccordement et de fixation est encore plus facile. Bien qu'on ait représenté un flasque 30 tourné du côté opposé à celui du disjoncteur 10, le flasque peut aussi être parallèle à ce disjoncteur, le capot étant alors monté par enfoncement du cordon 34 vers le corps 26. Cette disposition est cependant moins avantageuse que celle qui est représentée sur les dessins étant donné que le capot 32 peut être plus facilement arraché. Il peut être alors avantageux d'utiliser une fixation supplémentaire, par exemple un collage du corps et du capot.Although a particular embodiment of the invention has been described, it is not limited to this box and concerns numerous variants. First, although a housing body 26 has been shown in the form of a bowl, it may simply have the form of a plate, so that access to the device 14 for connection and fixing is even more easy. Although there has been shown a flange 30 turned on the opposite side to that of the circuit breaker 10, the flange can also be parallel to this circuit breaker, the cover then being mounted by pressing the cord 34 towards the body 26. This arrangement is however less advantageous than that shown in the drawings since the cover 32 can be more easily torn off. It may then be advantageous to use an additional attachment, for example a bonding of the body and the cover.

Bien qu'on ait représenté le corps 26 en une seule pièce, il peut être formé par plusieurs éléments coopérant convenablement. En particulier, le corps 26 peut comporter un dispositif spécial placé à proximité de l'ouverture 28 et destiné à coopérer avec un type particulier d'ensemble 14 de raccordement et de fixation. Bien qu'on ait représenté le corps 26 placé entre le câble 18 et le corps 16 de raccordement, il peut aussi être placé entre le corps 16 et le disjoncteur 10. La coopération au niveau de l'ensemble de raccordement et de fixation dépend évidemment du type particulier d'ensemble de raccordement et de fixation utilisé. Toutes les variantes entrent dans le cadre de l'invention, du moment que l'humidité ne peut pas pénétrer facilement.Although the body 26 has been shown in one piece, it can be formed by several elements cooperating suitably. In particular, the body 26 may comprise a special device placed near the opening 28 and intended to cooperate with a particular type of assembly 14 for connection and fixing. Although the body 26 has been shown placed between the cable 18 and the connection body 16, it can also be placed between the body 16 and the circuit breaker 10. The cooperation at the level of the connection and fixing assembly obviously depends the particular type of connection and fixing assembly used. All variants fall within the scope of the invention, as long as moisture cannot easily penetrate.

La figure 2 représente des presse-étoupe 46 permettant le passage étanche de câbles destinés à pénétrer dans le boîtier étanche, le cas échéant. Il s'agit d'une caractéristique purement éventuelle, indiquant que l'invention a de nombreuses applications.FIG. 2 represents cable glands 46 allowing the sealed passage of cables intended to enter the sealed housing, if necessary. This is a purely optional feature, indicating that the invention has many applications.

On note sur la figure 2 que les côtés du boîtier étanche sont disposés dans des plans sensiblement parallèles aux côtés du disjoncteur 10 si bien que plusieurs disjoncteurs logés dans plusieurs boîtiers étanches peuvent être placés les uns à côté des autres, avec un encombrement réduit. Chaque disjoncteur comporte son propre boîtier étanche.It is noted in FIG. 2 that the sides of the waterproof case are arranged in planes substantially parallel to the sides of the circuit breaker 10 so that several circuit breakers housed in several waterproof cases can be placed next to each other, with a reduced bulk. Each circuit breaker has its own waterproof case.

Bien qu'on ait représenté, sur la figure 1, un dispositif 14 de fixation et de raccordement qui coopère avec un câble plat 18 d'alimentation en énergie électrique, il ne s'agit que d'un mode de réalisation et de nombreuses autres alimentations sont possibles, notamment par les câbles ordinaires ayant des conducteurs torsadés.Although FIG. 1 shows a fixing and connection device 14 which cooperates with a flat cable 18 for supplying electrical energy, this is only one embodiment and many others power supplies are possible, in particular by ordinary cables having twisted conductors.

Bien entendu, bien qu'on ait représenté un disjoncteur 10, de nombreux autres éléments électriques peuvent être commandés, du moment que leur fonctionnement nécessite un organe mobile en translation, c'est-à-dire déplacé par application ponctuelle d'une force. On peut citer par exemple les commutateurs et interrupteurs.Of course, although a circuit breaker 10 has been shown, many other electrical elements can be controlled, as long as their operation requires a movable member in translation, that is to say moved by the specific application of a force. Examples include switches and switches.

Claims (10)

Boîtier étanche de protection pour élément électrique (10) commandé par un organe (12) mobile en translation et ayant au moins deux positions de commande, ledit élément électrique étant destiné à être raccordé électriquement et supporté par un ensemble de raccordement et de support (16), ledit boîtier étanche étant caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend : - un corps (26) sensiblement rigide de fixation, coopérant de façon étanche avec l'élément électrique à proximité de l'ensemble de raccordement et de support (16), et - au moins un capot relativement souple (32) coopérant de façon étanche avec le corps sensiblement rigide, délimitant avec lui une chambre étanche dans laquelle est disposé ledit élément électrique (10), et ayant un organe de manoeuvre (40), - ledit capot relativement souple (32) étant déformable afin que l'organe de manoeuvre (40), qui est destiné à être proche de l'organe mobile de commande de l'élément électrique, puisse être déplacé par application d'une force ponctuelle et déplace alors l'organe mobile de commande (12) d'une position de commande à une autre. Sealed protective casing for an electrical element (10) controlled by a member (12) movable in translation and having at least two control positions, said electrical element being intended to be electrically connected and supported by a connection and support assembly (16 ), said waterproof housing being characterized in that it comprises: - a substantially rigid body (26) for fixing, sealingly cooperating with the electrical element near the connection and support assembly (16), and at least one relatively flexible cover (32) cooperating in leaktight manner with the substantially rigid body, delimiting with it a sealed chamber in which said electrical element (10) is disposed, and having an operating member (40), - Said relatively flexible cover (32) being deformable so that the operating member (40), which is intended to be close to the movable member for controlling the electrical element, can be moved by application of a point force and then moves the movable control member (12) from one control position to another. Boîtier étanche selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le capot relativement souple (32) est formé d'un élastomère moulé.Waterproof housing according to claim 1, characterized in that the relatively flexible cover (32) is formed from a molded elastomer. Boîtier étanche selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que le capot relativement souple (32) a la forme d'un soufflet.Waterproof housing according to claim 2, characterized in that the relatively flexible cover (32) has the shape of a bellows. Boîtier étanche selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le capot relativement souple (32) comporte une fenêtre (44) permettant l'observation de l'organe mobile de commande (12) et montée de manière étanche sur le capot.Waterproof housing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the relatively flexible cover (32) has a window (44) allowing the observation of the mobile control member (12) and mounted in a sealed manner on the cover . Boîtier selon l'une des revendications 3 et 4, caractérisé en ce que l'organe de manoeuvre (40) est constitué par une partie du soufflet ou de la fenêtre.Housing according to one of claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the operating member (40) consists of a part of the bellows or of the window. Boîtier étanche selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le corps (26) a une forme plate ou de cuvette, délimitant un flasque périphérique (30), et le capot relativement souple (26) a un cordon (34) délimitant une gorge (26) de logement du flasque.Watertight case according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body (26) has a flat or cup shape, delimiting a peripheral flange (30), and the relatively flexible cover (26) has a cord (34) delimiting a groove (26) for housing the flange. Boîtier étanche selon l'un quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le corps sensiblement rigide (26) est fixé à l'ensemble de raccordement et de support (16) en position telle que la connexion électrique de l'élément électrique (10) se trouve à l'intérieur de la chambre étanche.Watertight housing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the substantially rigid body (26) is fixed to the connection and support assembly (16) in a position such that the electrical connection of the electrical element (10 ) is inside the sealed chamber. Boîtier étanche selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le corps (26) et le capot (32) sont délimités, de deux côtés opposés, par deux faces sensiblement planes et parallèles afin que plusieurs boîtiers étanches puissent être juxtaposés.Waterproof case according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body (26) and the cover (32) are delimited, on two opposite sides, by two substantially planar and parallel faces so that several waterproof cases can be juxtaposed. Boîtier étanche selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le corps (26) comporte un joint d'étanchéité à proximité de sa partie de coopération (28) avec l'élément électrique (10) et l'ensemble de raccordement et de support (16).Watertight housing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body (26) has a seal near its cooperation part (28) with the electrical element (10) and the connection assembly and support (16). Boîtier étanche selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que l'élément électrique commandé (10) est un disjoncteur ou un commutateur.Waterproof housing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the controlled electrical element (10) is a circuit breaker or a switch.
EP91402523A 1990-09-24 1991-09-23 Sealed housing for an electrical element such as a circuit breaker Withdrawn EP0478432A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9011748 1990-09-24
FR9011748A FR2667214B1 (en) 1990-09-24 1990-09-24 WATERPROOF HOUSING FOR ELECTRICAL ELEMENT SUCH AS A CIRCUIT BREAKER.

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0478432A1 true EP0478432A1 (en) 1992-04-01

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP91402523A Withdrawn EP0478432A1 (en) 1990-09-24 1991-09-23 Sealed housing for an electrical element such as a circuit breaker

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EP (1) EP0478432A1 (en)
FR (1) FR2667214B1 (en)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4443799C1 (en) * 1994-12-08 1996-03-21 Kaercher Gmbh & Co Alfred Hand-piece for steam cleaning unit
ES2127661A1 (en) * 1995-06-06 1999-04-16 Itw Fastex Italia Spa Process for producing a leaktight seal against a fluid of an electromechanical component and sealed component thus obtained, specifically for domestic electrical appliances
US9461446B1 (en) 2015-03-30 2016-10-04 General Electric Company Electrical enclosure having a breaker cover gasket and method
US9653896B2 (en) 2015-03-30 2017-05-16 General Electric Company Electrical enclosure including an integral exhaust duct and method
US10426049B2 (en) 2015-03-30 2019-09-24 Abb Schweiz Ag Electrical enclosure including a selectively closeable ventilation opening and method

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB616393A (en) * 1946-09-03 1949-01-20 Gordon Francis Wellington Powe Improvements in or relating to lever-operated electric switches
US3668938A (en) * 1971-03-01 1972-06-13 Apm Corp Hermetically sealing boot with actuator for thumb wheel type switches
FR2435841A1 (en) * 1978-09-11 1980-04-04 Tim Sa Protective cover for switch rear surfaces - is of flexible plastics suitable for variable pressure environments and has corrugation of all four sides

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB616393A (en) * 1946-09-03 1949-01-20 Gordon Francis Wellington Powe Improvements in or relating to lever-operated electric switches
US3668938A (en) * 1971-03-01 1972-06-13 Apm Corp Hermetically sealing boot with actuator for thumb wheel type switches
FR2435841A1 (en) * 1978-09-11 1980-04-04 Tim Sa Protective cover for switch rear surfaces - is of flexible plastics suitable for variable pressure environments and has corrugation of all four sides

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4443799C1 (en) * 1994-12-08 1996-03-21 Kaercher Gmbh & Co Alfred Hand-piece for steam cleaning unit
ES2127661A1 (en) * 1995-06-06 1999-04-16 Itw Fastex Italia Spa Process for producing a leaktight seal against a fluid of an electromechanical component and sealed component thus obtained, specifically for domestic electrical appliances
US9461446B1 (en) 2015-03-30 2016-10-04 General Electric Company Electrical enclosure having a breaker cover gasket and method
US9653896B2 (en) 2015-03-30 2017-05-16 General Electric Company Electrical enclosure including an integral exhaust duct and method
US10426049B2 (en) 2015-03-30 2019-09-24 Abb Schweiz Ag Electrical enclosure including a selectively closeable ventilation opening and method

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2667214B1 (en) 1993-07-23
FR2667214A1 (en) 1992-03-27

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